Obama's 'exceptional' former protection officer found dead at train station

22 January 2024 , 14:54

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Rowan Andrews, second from left, was Barack Obama's protection officer in Australia (Image: GoFundMe)

Tributes have been paid to an "exceptional" former police protection officer who served Barack Obama - after he was tragically found dead at a train station.

Rowan Andrews, 38, who once served the former US president as a personal protection officer, was found just before 5am on January 12. His death is not being treated as suspicious. The dad-of-two became a police officer in 2016 and was chosen to be the personal protection officer for Barack Obama’s visit to Australia,which, according to a GoFundMe set-up for his young family, "highlighted Rowan’s trustworthiness and capabilities."

Following a promising career as an AFL player he was involved "to attend the CPP Skills Enhancements course, a weeklong national course where the best officers were chosen to represent their States, highlighting his leadership qualities."

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Tributes have been paid to the 38-year-old (Gofundme)

"His ability at policing earned him a well-deserved place at the Critical Incident Response Team," Aiden Rischin wrote on GoFundMe. "Here, he showcased exceptional skills and leadership, securing him a position at Close Personal Protection Unit. Within his time with CPP, Rowan protected many notable dignitaries. He was chosen to be the personal protection officer for Barack Obama's visit, highlighting Rowan's trustworthiness and capabilities.'

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Rowan, of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, showed "exceptional sporting abilities" which earned him a draft pick by the Adelaide Crows at the age of 18. "This was just the start of Rowan's football journey as he moved to various States of Australia perfecting his craft," Mr Rischin wrote.

Rowan was asked to be Barack Obama's protection officer (Getty Images)

"Highlights included playing for Tasmania in the VFL, consecutive premierships with Ainslie Football Club in the NEAFL, and claiming the best and fairest title at Avoca in Victoria after only playing 10 games that season."

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The husband wasn't just a talented footballer, he was also skilled in carpentry. "Adding to Rowan's diverse skill set, he excelled as a proficient carpenter,' Mr Rishin added. He fully renovated two family homes over the past 5 years and generously assisted friends with various projects.

The dad-of-two leaves behind his wife (Gofundme)

He was also a huge "animal lover" and had recently applied to join the Canine Unit within Victoria Police. The 38-year-old, whose body was found at Laverton Railway, is survived by his wife Alice and their two children, Max and Isaac.

A GoFundMe page to help "ease the financial burden" on his wife has so far raised over $19,000 (£17,000). According to a spokesperson for Victoria Police, they would "prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Laverton.'"

"He was located deceased at Laverton Railway Station about 4.50am on 12 January," the spokesperson added. "The death is not being treated as suspicious. The man was an off-duty police officer.'

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Liam Buckler